Device for collecting and confining hospital and household waste

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to a device for wrapping contaminant or non-contaminant waste resulting from the medical treatment of humans or animals, as well as household waste. The device shown in FIG. 1 consists of a housing (1) used as a frame supporting a dispenser (2) for a heat-sealable plastic sleeve (3) forming a receptacle in which the waste may be deposited, a driving mechanism (4) for moving the sleeve, a heat-sealing mechanism (5), and a removable storage receptacle (6). The device is characterized in that the size of the wrapping may be selectively adapted to that of the waste objects. The device is useful for confining waste in wrappings that are impervious to volatile fumes, odours and liquids regardless of the position of the wrappings during storage and transport.

The present invention relates to a device for wrapping household refuseand waste and waste resulting from medical care administered to humansand animals as well as the waste produced by the activities connectedwith this care.

At the present time, the wrapping of waste is taken care of by usingplastic bags or plastic-coated boxes. This type of wrapping does notenable the gases or odours issuing from the waste, to be correctlyconfined.

This results in a volatile propagation of pathogenic germs andunpleasant smells, which presents a problem of potential contamination,particularly in health care facilities, maternity hospitals, veterinaryclinics, medical laboratories, public toilets through women's sanitarytowels, and more simply waste disposal units of apartment blocks.

The device according to the invention overcomes this shortcoming bywrapping the waste in envelopes which are air-, odour- and liquid-tightwhatever the position of said envelopes after closure.

The device can in particular be fixed on waste disposal unit openings inapartment blocks, therefore guaranteeing constant cleanliness of theducts and performing the role of anti-odour trap when being used.

Similar systems have already been studied, for example the one describedin European Patent No. 281 355, but the latter obliges the user to pushthe objects in order to obtain advance of the sleeve; there is nodriving system and the bags obtained are simply closed by twisting,which does not allow a real tightness.

In European Patent No. 05660, the system described does not enable thedimensions of the wrapping to be automatically adjusted and a system ofpliers rather than rollers is used to advance the sleeve.

The dimensions of the wrapping can be modified by replacing an elementof the mechanism, but giving another standardized dimension. Themechanism described is not functional for the systematic wrapping ofeach unitary deposit with systematic adaptation of the dimension ofsleeve necessary;

The main innovation of the present invention is the systematicadaptation of the dimension of the wrapping to the waste.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side cut-away view of the apparatus.

FIG. 2 is a diagonal view of the feed rollers and heat seal assembly.

FIG. 3 is a cross-section view of the feed roller drive mechanism.

Referring to FIG. 1, the device is constituted by a housing (1) actingas frame supporting in its upper part a dispenser (2) of heat-sealableplastic sleeve (3) forming receptacle for depositing the waste, amechanism (4) for driving said sleeve just underneath, followed by aheat-sealing mechanism (5) then a removable receptacle (6) allowing theinstallation of a secondary wrapping with a view to periodic emptying.

The waste dropped into the primary receptacle drops to the bottomthereof to be driven by said sleeve (3), itself driven by frictionbetween at least two rollers or wheels rotating in opposite directionswith respect to each other, being disposed on the one hand so as toobtain a permanent contact pressure with the sleeve, disposed on theother hand so that the contact surfaces of said rollers move apart uponpassage of the waste while conserving a contact pressure with thesleeve, the quantity of sleeve necessary for wrapping the waste andregenerating the soiled surfaces being connected with the number ofrotations of said rollers, said number of rotations being adjustable asdesired by the user or automatically by a detection system, the advanceof the sleeve thus obtained driving the imprisoned waste beneath therollers, tight closure being effected as desired or automatically byactuating heat-sealing pliers capable of cutting the sleeve in themiddle of a wide weld effecting at the same time tightness of theenvelope created and the bottom of the following envelope.

A mechanism for automatically or manually dispensing a neutralizingproduct of germicidal or like type, may be installed above the dispenserforming receptacle. Its operation may be determined by mechanical orelectrical link by the operation of the sleeve driving mechanism.

The housing (1) may have an articulated hood mounted thereon.

According to the different embodiments and in accordance with FIGS. 1, 2and 3:

The "dispenser, driving mechanism, heat-sealing mechanism" assembly maybe disconnected from the receptable part and be fitted on any type ofcontainer designed for waste collection, and may even replace a wastedisposal trap or can be integrated in a work surface of a fittedkitchen.

The dispenser (2) forming receptacle is removable and may be changedentirely whenever a new sleeve is reloaded.

The shape of the dispenser/receptacle makes it possible to obtain asurface for deposit of the waste protected from soiling by the presenceof the sleeve. The polluted sleeve surface is enclosed with the wasteduring advance of the sleeve and the deposit surface is regenerated by aportion of new sleeve.

The driving mechanism (4) is constituted by a set of drive rollers (13)actuated manually by a steering wheel, a lever (14) or electrically by amotor.

Said mechanism may be actuated via a rack itself connected directly orindirectly to a manually operated lever. Such a configuration may allowa possible cap to be connected to said lever and to actuate themechanism by manipulating said cap.

In any case, the rollers can be rotated only in the desired direction bythe interposition of a disengagement system. Disengagement may beobtained by a blade or ball ratchet on the axes of the rollers.

The drive rollers are constituted by a rigid central pin of smalldiameter coated with an elastomer foam of large diameter. This choiceallows a fixed distance between axes, the passage of the waste beingeffected by deformation of said elastomer foam coating, the rollers aremounted against one another by force in order to guarantee driving ofthe sleeve empty.

The rollers are fast in rotation thanks to gears (15) disposed at theend of the pin. These gears are of identical diameters to ensure thatthe rollers effect the same number of rotations.

In the case of actuation being effected by manual or motorized directrotation, these gears are in direct engagement. In the case of actuationemploying the translation of a rack, the latter may be placed betweenthe gears, against a reduction in diameter of the latter.

The gears disposed at the end of roller axes can be mounted so as torotate and present a notched bore whose shape allows blockage in onedirection of rotation of one or more spring blades fast with the axes.Such an assembly ensures disconnection of the rollers in the case ofreversal of the direction of rotation by manual steering wheel, lever,electric motor or rack.

The coating of the drive rollers present several circular openings (16)in order not to drive back the liquids contained in the waste.

The rollers may be designed with a thin coating on axes of smalldiameters; the distances between axes are then variable and the contactpressure maintained by return spring between the rollers.

Depending on the configurations, the quantity of sleeve necessary isobtained either by manual action with visual control, or by automaticdetection by means of photoelectric cells or mechanical feelersinstalled above the dispenser/receptacle on a possible support or hood.

The quantity of sleeve used for each deposit may be standard forspecific applications such as the collection of women's sanitary towelsin public places, trains, railway stations, aircraft, hotels, maternityclinics, etc . . .

Closure of the wrapping by heat-sealing is effected thanks to a set ofretractable heating pliers (5).

Closure of said pliers may be obtained by electrically switching on anelectro-magnet (7) and heating resistors (8) simultaneously, or via alever.

Said switching on is obtained by actuating a contactor. Said contactormay be actuated, depending on the configurations, either manually orautomatically at the end of rotation of the drive rollers.

The heating temperature for welding is pre-adjusted during manufacturein the factory, and the time required for the heating pliers to close,like the soldering time, is defined by a timing device.

The supports (9) of heating resistors (8) for heat-sealing may be fixedfree to rotate on the rigid pin of the drive rollers (13) and thusconstitute the jaws for gripping the sleeve. Such an assembly guaranteesthe positioning of the weld and simplifies the overall set-up.

Said supports (9) are rendered fast in rotation thanks to the partialgears (10) disposed at their ends.

Closure of the pliers thus constituted may be ensured by displacing anarticulated rod fixed on one of the jaws on the one hand and fixed to anelectromagnet (7) on the other hand.

The pressure of closure may be limited by a spring device (11)integrated with said rod or placed in interface with the electromagnetor between the master jaw and the rod.

The welding resistors (8) disposed on the supports (9) may present attheir ends mechanical contacts for example incorporating plates enablingthe electric circuit to be closed during contact.

Such an assembly prevents untimely heating of the resistors in the eventof defective closure of the pliers. Welding can therefore not beeffected in the presence of insufficiently dropped waste. Wiring istherefore simplified.

The timing device releases the pliers for a complementary advance.

A manual contactor may shunt the timing device to that end.

The shape of the surfaces of the heating part of the jaws which comesinto contact with the sleeve upon closure of the pliers may present anexcrescence capable of cutting said sleeve wholly or partly in themiddle of the zone welded by creeping in the softening phase.

In a configuration using a direct manual lever (14), the rotation of thelatter may be coaxial with a roller and in constant engagement with thedisconnectable gear of said roller. Alternative actuation of the leverallows the advance of the sleeve and at the end of stroke closes theheating resistor supports which may be switched on thanks to the closureof the circuit by plate contacts upon contact.

In a simplified configuration, wrapping may be effected without weldingat each deposit, the sleeve thus forming a sock of which closure bywelding or the like is ensured solely at the end of stock or periodicemptying. On the other hand, this configuration is not applicable on awaste disposal unit by reason of the dimensions of the common duct.

In order to facilitate the leader function during replacement, the newsleeve cartridges present a cardboard or like tongue which is engaged inthe drive mechanism.

In relation with the different technical elements of set-up, thefollowing modes of operation are demonstrated:

In Automatized configuration: The user drops or deposits his/her wastein the upper receptacle, the presence detector triggers off an electricmotor actuating the rollers, driving the sleeve and the waste. Thedetector no longer detecting presence in the upper receptacle, therollers continue to rotate in cooperation with a timing device adjustedto guarantee a complementary advance. Such complementary advance isintended not to try to weld in the presence of waste and, if desired,totally to regenerate the zones likely to be soiled. Stoppage of themotor triggers off closure of the welding pliers, welding being effectedin cooperation with a timing device and the cut sachet drops into thelower receptacle. The user necessarily triggers off wrapping as soon ashe/she deposits the waste.

In Semi-manual configuration: The operator actuates a contactor torotate the rollers and to maintain contact until the waste disappears.Abandon of this contact provokes stoppage of the motor and therefore ofthe advance and simultaneously via a timed relay actuates thewelding/cutting mechanism. At the end of timing, all the relays becomeinactive again. If the welding pliers cannot close correctly, a warninglamp lights up and indicates to the user to reactuate the advance.

In Manual configuration: The operator actuates advance andwelding/cutting as desired by means of two distinct contactors, a relaypreventing the simultaneous switching on of the two contactors. If thewelding pliers cannot close, a warning lamp lights up and indicates tothe user to reactuate the advance.

In Configuration with direct manual rotation: The operator actuates asdesired a lever or a steering wheel connected mechanically to therollers until the waste disappears, then by means of a contactorproceeds with welding/cutting. If the pliers cannot close, a warninglamp lights up and indicates to the user to reactuate the advance.

In the manual configuration, the operator may omit to proceed withwelding, the waste then being wrapped in a "sock", but the constantpressure of the rollers on the sleeve allows an already consequentconfinement, in the same way as in the case of breakdown of the pliersin the automatized version. A configuration provided without welding maybe envisaged depending on the application and thus provide anindependent, simple, inexpensive dustbin or trash can.

I claim:
 1. A device for wrapping waste resulting from human and animalmedical care, as well as household waste, comprising:a housing having anupper part; a dispenser having a heat-sealable plastic sleeve forming aprimary waste receptacle; a driving mechanism for driving said sleeve,said driving mechanism being disposed underneath said dispenser andcomprising: at least two friction driving rollers rotating in oppositedirections with respect to each other for driving said sleeves, eachdriving roller comprising a rigid axis of reduced diameter, said axisbeing coated with a layer of a material with high elastic deformation,said layer having a larger thickness; means for applying said rollers onsaid sleeve with pressure, whereby said contact pressure is maintainedwhen waste within the sleeve passes between said rollers, means forrotating said rollers with a given number of rotations; and heat sealingpliers for welding said sleeve on a given length and for cutting saidsleeve in said welded length whereby the portion of sleeve with thewaste tightly contained therein is separated from the rest of thesleeve.
 2. The device according to claim 1, wherein at least one of saidrollers has at least one reduction in diameter in order not to driveback waste liquids.
 3. The device according to claim 1, wherein saidheat sealing pliers comprise two movable supports, each support beingprovided with a heating-resistor, said device further comprising contactmeans mounted on said supports and switching means for controlling theheating of said resistors, said switching means being activated forheating said heating-resistor in response to the state of the contactmeans corresponding to the fact that no waste is present in the sleevebetween the two supports.
 4. The device according to claim 1, whereinsaid axis of the rollers have ends and said means for applying saidrollers on said sleeve comprises return springs disposed between saidends of said axis of the rollers.
 5. the device according to claim 1,wherein said means for rotating said rollers further comprise adisconnection mechanism for preventing reversal of the direction ofrotation of said rollers.
 6. The device according to claim 3, whereineach support of said heat sealing pliers is rotatably mounted about anaxis which is coaxial with the axis of one of said rollers.
 7. Thedevice according to claim 1, wherein said sleeve is provided with aleader for manually pushing it between said rollers.
 8. The deviceaccording to claim 1 further comprising detection means for detectingthe presence of waste in said waste receptacle and wherein said meansfor rotating said rollers further comprises motor means for rotatingsaid rollers and control means for controlling said motor means inresponse to the detection implemented by said detection means.